Hey Nigerian — You are most likely the culprit
or Let’s make Nigeria great again?
You are permitted to read even if you’re not Nigerian.
Nigeria is probably the most interesting country in the world(yea, I mean it) and Nigerians are the most interesting people to meet(and I am not joking). Well the reason is obvious, and it is not because I am Nigerian.
Nigeria has a lot of other titles like the giant of Africa, etc. which some of us are already forgetting because of events in recent history, but don’t loose heart — we’re going somewhere.
I believe in Nigeria, even though many groups of people(including some Nigerians) no longer do.I believe in Nigeria because of Nigerians, interacting with Nigerians will explain to you why I, if you haven’t met a Nigerian yet, you r chances — 20 %-30% of all black people(hope I am correct), you search, and you will find them. I don’t think there is any habitable place on in the universe where you will not find Nigerians -except of course the Moon and maybe Mars?Nigerians will soon be in these places also. I believe in Nigeria’s potentials, but it’s high time this potentials turn to something Kinetic and beneficial for Nigerians and humanity.
Nigerian does not necessary describe strictly any particular brand of people, so it is not totally unreasonable that some Nigerians think they are not Nigerians(mostly only Nigerians will understand this talk). There are in excess of 500 NIGERIANS(PLO Lumumba would love this)in Nigeria with a population approaching 200 million. But 9ja still dey. Our greatest strength which is presently acting as our greatest weaknesses-our diversity-could be harnessed for our own good. I hope we do do quickly.
I love the Nigerian national anthem and the National pledge. I still feel excited remembering the days when I sang it Mondays to Fridays in primary school, and later secondary school. The last time I sang it was during my Matriculation into UI some years ago. I still remember it-completely, and I admire the russians when they sing their anthem-I occasionally sing it too, but there is no other anthem that can take the place of those beautiful lines written many years ago.
Incase you cannot remember it:
Nigerian national anthem.
Arise, O Compatriots
Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom
Peace and unity.
2nd Stanza:
Oh God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide thou our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign
The Nigerian National Pledge.
I pledge to Nigeria my country.
To be faithful, loyal and honest.
To serve Nigeria with all my strength.
To defend her unity, and uphold her honour and glory.
So help me God.
After reading through those words-go read it if you haven’t-I believe I can stop writing this article, I have shown that we are guilty to a large extent.
You are guilty if you play absenteeism( a habitual pattern of absence from a duty or obligation without good reason) in exercising your political mandate and cultivating and maintaining a good civic position and initiative. For whatsoever reason we are not enthusiastic about all the process involved in how are leaders, policy makers are chosen, and how are policies,laws and regulations are being formulated, maintained and upheld.And we then become the loudest complainers-didn’t mention earlier but it’s worth mentioning-Nigerians are some of the most gifted complainers I know. We blame about everything on almost everyone that can be blamed excluding ourselves.No one wants to hold the heads that bear our crown, we give them an field day-free ticket to do whatever they like, and then we complain. They are supposed to be uneasy on those seats until Nigeria becomes better, and still remain uneasy-to make sure it remains so.I hear flimsy excuses of why people don’t vote-from outright foolish reasons to not-so-wise ones that imply there was no suitable candidate, especially during the last Presidential elections. Brothers and Sisters, if there is no worthy candidate, much worthier than you, please Run for a new, better Nigeria. Your voter’s mandate is an open check you get every 4 years to determine the future of your great country, and indeed your future and the future of your Children and their descendants. Don’t spend it carelessly, and it is bigger wastage to choose not to draw, and then cash the cheque. Not doing that, I think can be equated to treason and disloyalty, and it makes you a part of the causes of Nigeria’s woes.
Nigeria’s election is coming closer, and people are already beginning to agitate, many of them for the posts,offices, and benefits that come with it. Be wise enough to think progressively, to
- Draw( When a certified cheque is drawn, the bank operating the account verifies there are currently sufficient funds in the drawer’s account to honour thecheque) your check — the voter’s card. Vote for only those that have a clear plan for Nigeria’s future, and can articulate them. We cannot take chances again shaky and blurry cliches. This is a critical time for us as a nation, and we cannot allow the disintegration of Nigeria.
- Cash( Those funds are then set aside in the bank’s internal account until the cheque is cashed or returned by the payee) the check. Hold them responsible at each stage of the process and demand transparent feedback and reports. Don’t allow your senators and Reps to be in other parts of the world and only visit you towards the election period.
Nigeria is greater than any group’s selfish interests and is worth fighting for. I hope responsible Nigerians will accept this call to action!
God bless Nigeria!
